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• One Superhero Too Many

If you’re like me and spent a significant amount of your paycheck on seeing the “epic movies” of Summer 2008, you might also be left feeling ripped off and broke. This was the summer of the long-awaited sequel, heartfelt animated tale, and enough superhero movies to make even the biggest comic book fan feel stuffed. Sure there were box office hits and even a record broken, but when it came down to it, only three movies truly stood out in this summer’s line up: Iron Man, Wall-E, and The Dark Knight.

As Robert Downey Jr.’s comeback role, Tony Stark or Iron Man, proved that narcissism and intelligence can come in one package. We’re so used to emotionally distraught, depressed or even nerdy superheroes, that it almost seemed impossible for one of them to actually like their calling. With a great supporting cast and one of the more unique superhero plot lines, that is more relatable for our time, Iron Man, out on DVD September 30, started the summer off on the right iron clad foot.

Wall-E, out on DVD November 18, was another box office hit, and with reason. With the first 45 minutes centered around Wall-E with little communication, I felt this movie actually had more significance for older crowds then kids. The movie’s brilliant animation helped everyone remember even the smallest, most seemingly untalented person or robot can do great things.

“Why so serious?” a line that will be remembered for years. This movie had all the ingredients to be spectacular; a talented cast, a dedicated director, and a thrilling plot, but the movie really relied on two performances to make it the magical gem it is. Heath Ledger took the Joker and gave him some pizzazz. As the ruthless, completely moral-less character, his performance was frightening. Viewers found themselves laughing because they were uncomfortable with his clear abandon of all rules, and because they found themselves oddly entertained by his psychotic state. Needless to say, Jack Nicholson’s Joker compared to Ledger’s, is a joke. But, the perfect balance for the Joker was Christian Bale’s Batman. Bale’s further development of Batman reminded us that he does have human flaws regardless of his persona. Bale’s Batman exuded more selflessness and desire for normalcy then past Batman’s, bringing his non-superhero side to life. These characters along with the eerie Chicago backdrop and twisted plot make this an instant classic. The Dark Knight comes out on DVD December 12.

There are a two honorable mentions in this summer’s lineup, but they are honorable more so because of how much money they grossed at the box office and less so because of their actual plot. One of the most anticipated TV to big screen transitions had to be Sex and the City. But a whinny Carrie and almost neurotically, self-absorbed Charlotte, left you craving more sex and less talking. Sex and The City: The Movie, out on DVD September 23, could have waited until DVD.

Another honorable mention is the sequel that came too late, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Indiana Jones, out on DVD October 14, took a wrong sci-fi twist and lost touch with the old Indy, who really was just old. Shia LeBeouf captured younger audiences, but the true Indiana Jones fans were left wondering, “Really, that’s what I waited 20 years for?”

Unfortunately several of this summer’s movies failed to meet their hype. With the eight dollars I have left after this summer, I think I’ll go see The Dark Knight again.